BS’D
Rabbi Chaim Vital ztk’l explains the works of the AriZal HaKadosh. Existence is founded on four base elements: fire, air, water and earth. It is important to understand these fundamental features which are found in our soul. Although each soul includes all of these components, each of us has one element which is most dominant.
• Fire
Positive aspects: intellect, desire to elevate and grow, passion, brought out by lighting candles in the name of tzaddikim and/or Shabbat candle lighting. It’s our G-dly spark, our soul’s root on high. It is represented by our korbanot. The world of Atzilut – the highest heavenly realm.
Negative aspects: anger, stubbornness, demand of honor, rebels authority
• Air
Positive aspects: modesty, humility, happiness, articulate speech, our intellect, brought out by tefillah. It’s our neshama, the study of Torah. The world of Briah.
Negative aspects: idle chatter, lies and slander, lashon hara
• Water
Positive aspects: openness, seeing the big picture, indulgence in pleasure, brought out through our emotions. Disgust for unnecessary physical pleasures. It’s our ruach. The world of Yetzirah.
Negative aspects: draw towards physical delights as a means to an end, lust, jealousy
• Earth
Positive aspects: driven to act via our Divine force, feeling grounded, a drive to do, feeling satisfied with life, serving Hashem with simcha, brought out by hafrashat challah. It’s our nefesh. The world of Asiyah – our world.
Negative aspects: sluggishness, sadness, grief, hopelessness, inability to move and grow
By exploring these elements and matching them with our character traits, we enable ourselves to perfect our vessel, our desires, to hold on to the Divine light that continuously pours into this world. Torah observance, involvement in mitzvot and tefillah are the only way to tame and discipline our animalistic tendencies and acquire the tools we need to fulfill our unique task in this world.
Today’s daily dose of emuna is dedicated to the refuah shleimah of Chaya Raizel bat Rachel. An additional name has been added for her. Please continue to pray for a complete healing for Chaya Raizel bat Rachel among all of Klal Yisrael who are sick and suffering, b’karov, b’rachamim, Amen.
